Suspension

[aaroncollett]

Hello All,

After a first weekend driving the Minor (about 300 miles without a serious issue!), I have some questions about the suspension.

We noticed that the car is not very good over speed bumps (perhaps because they didn't exist when the car was designed), but also noticed that it is not very good over other types of obstacle like level crossings etc (more notable for the back seat passengers). So, we took a look underneath and noticed that the gap between the body and the bump stop on the rear is barely enough to get your finger through. Does this mean that the leaf springs are in need of replacement? Everything else in that area looks to be in serviceable condition, i.e. no rot on the hangers etc.

This leads me to my next question...

I think that the front dampers are going to need replacing since even with a topup and oil check, the one side still bounces around quite a bit, so I guess the damper has had it. Given the lack of rear suspension, I am going to make that assumption that the rear dampers are also in need of replacement.

Now the question is, at this stage, should I throw a load of money at something like a Spax conversion, or are there other tweaks that I can implement around the standard suspension? I have seen that you can buy more conventional dampers without going all the way to a Spax kit. Does anybody have any experience of these 'mid-way' solutions?

At the moment, I don't think the car handles too badly for what it is, though I have not taken it out in the damp or wet yet, and it does have the standard 1098 engine (which I may replace with something a bit bigger in the future), so perhaps it is the case that I am yet to expose its weaknesses!

Thanks, Aaron

[bmcecosse]

Rear suspension does sound a bit too low - and hammering on the bump stops will soon damage the chassis. New springs are not too expensive. Front suspension height is adjustable. You may just find service exchange dampers will give you what you want - tele dampers are better - but quite expensive. It's horses for courses.

[aaroncollett]

Thanks. I saw that the springs were not too expensive. Is replacing the rear springs a wasted excercise or can you still do some tuning to the suspension without going all the way to a coil-over kit?

Are there any articles on tuning or adjusting the front suspension? I have a manual now, but it seems pretty light on the suspension area!

[Kevin]

My saloon uses a version of the technical tips version of using mini shocks on the rear and the difference was quite remakable as we have mountain sized speed bumps where I live.

[bmcecosse]

You can fit 7 leaf Traveller springs. Bit harsh - but helps axle tramp.